I have a whirlpool microwave which has a small burn mark ( a chip of the front of the inside of the microwave) i was wondering is it still safe to use? would radiation be leaking through if it isn't problerly sealed. thank you

Safe but will burn more replace wave guide cover common problem
in all microwaves grease build up on guide cause it to burn

First of all check the inside of the cooking area for chips in the paint and burn marks. If there are none then you may repair this unit. Open it up and check the many thermal overloads for open circuit. Then check for burned wires and repair any if found. Then replace the fuse if blown. Then change the magnetron and possibly the capacitor. Also verify that the door closes properly and that the circuit board has no burned components or burned circuit traces. Sometimes the relays stick and need replacing but that would not cause the breaker to trip.

A convection microwave is more forgiving with small bits of metal than a regular microwave so the small chip won't make a difference. What you are seeing is the initial stages of magnetron failure which means that soon you will be in the market for a new microwave.
Sorry the info isn't of a happier nature.

This is caused by either carbon arcing from carbonated food deposits or metal dish or bowl being used inside the machine causing a track. Even a recycled paper towel can cause it as the towels have metal traces in them.

hi,smell is probably the magetron,arcing...is the inside of the microwave,any burnt marks....hv diode an magetron might be bad...possible shorted hv diode....

That burning part is referred to as the stirrer cove, unless you have one similar on the bottom.It's like plastic pie plate. The fan stirs the microwaves and heat in simple terms.

Unless food is burning off it , I would be replacing the unit or have a qualified, trained microwave tech service it. You need a microwave leak detector to work on them safely. Given the cost most are disposable these days. Be Safe on this one

would suggest replacing door for safety purposes only," it could be fine as far as resisting waves",but never sure for how long or if it realy is. An old saying makes sense," Better safe than sorry".

Ok stop useing oven and unplug! THIS CAN BE FIXED!!! Go to a home improvment store and buy a small bottle of white liquid enamal....Clean up the area that is missing and flakeing and then apply the enamel over the hole and let dry overnight! now that the exposed metal is covered back up it is safe to use and will not spark or cause any more soot!
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The magnetron has failed and has damaged the waveguide. This type of failure is generally unrepairable. First look in your owners manual for specific warranties, then contact Whirlpool and explain to them what has happened.

If you need further assistance, let me know
Regards,
reg501

A LOUD ticking sound could very well be a High Voltage Arc. This is usually caused by a breakdown of insulation on High Voltage Wires, or components. It can also be arcing between the door frame and the cavity. Usually where the bottom of the cavity floor meets the door frame. Indication of this will be small areas on the door where it looks like the paint has been chipped off, but if you look close you will see it is small burned marks. Another area is the Splatter Shield located inside and at the top. It looks like a Plastic Cover. It is not plastic, but a fiber material. Grease, and food will get trapped on and under this Splatter Shield. Over a period of time the grease and food particles will break down from being cooked over and over again. They will then form Carbon. Which will Arc when Microwaves are present. Remove Push-Pins holding Splatter Shield. Clean by washing with dish detergent . If burned (arc) spots are still present after washing, replace Splatter Shield or arcing will continue. Once Carbon has burned through, it will continue to burn.